NATM Blog

Nominations are now open for the 2020-2023 term on the NATM Board of Directors. Would you like to be a part of the future success of NATM or do you know someone that would be a strong leader for the Association?

For more than 30 years, NATM has been fortunate to be guided by committed and visionary members serving on the NATM Board of Directors. It is because of these boards that NATM has a Compliance Verification Program, has been able to respond to issues such as tandem towing and tariff challenges, has created a national campaign to raise awareness of safe trailering and recently has been able to launch a Dealer Affiliation program. Through strategic planning, meaningful discussion and decisive action, the NATM Board is tasked with ensuring that the industry and the Association continues to thrive and grow.

Nominations ProcessIn accordance with the NATM Bylaws, the board of directors calls for nominations from the Association membership. Election of directors takes place by email ballot prior to the annual NATM Convention & Trade Show. Typically, the call for nominations goes out in September. Nominated candidates fill out a questionnaire, which is reviewed by the nominations committee. The nominations committee, chaired by the current vice president, selects a slate of candidates for approval by the board of directors. Ballots are sent to all NATM Regular and Associate Members in December. Regular members (trailer manufacturers) elect the regular member directors and associate members (suppliers/service provider) elect associate member directors.

Board Member Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Attend all board meetings and committee meetings, training sessions and special meetings, as appropriate in accordance with the board participation policy (must be available for occasional conference call meetings throughout the year). Annually, there are four in-person scheduled board meetings that include one at the annual NATM Convention & Trade Show.

Attend and participate in the NATM Annual Convention & Trade Show. Board members are expected to attend and participate in as many convention meetings, luncheons and agenda events as possible.

Attend meetings at your own expense (hotels can cost up to $250 per night and total meeting expenses including air fare will range from $1,000 to $1,500 per meeting).

Understand and support the Association, its mission, goals, objectives, programs, operations and functioning.

Participate fully and openly in board meetings, sharing insights, ideas and suggestions that may benefit the Association and the industry.

Serve and actively participate on one or more committees, as appointed by the president.

Keep informed about and know what is happening in the industry and never hesitate to ask questions or request information to enhance that knowledge.

Make decisions on Association and industry-wide issues, policies, programs, goals and objectives based upon careful consideration of all relevant facts and data.

Provide advice, counsel and encouragement to staff, including outside professionals, but offer constructive criticism when necessary and appropriate.

Serve as an advocate for the trailer manufacturing industry and the Association, placing those interests ahead of your own and your company’s interests, consistent with the Board’s Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Policy.

Carry out special assignments as requested by the board president.

Terms and Term LimitsBoard members may serve two consecutive terms, of three years each, on the NATM Board of Directors. A member who is appointed to fill a vacancy on the board of directors is eligible to be elected for two complete terms following appointment to the board.

If you are interested or know someone who is interested in serving on the NATM Board of Directors, or would like more information about the responsibilities and time commitment for serving on the board, contact NATM Executive Director Kendra Ansley at (785) 272-4433 or Kendra.Ansley@natm.com. Nominations must be received by Sept. 30, 2019 to be considered.